Entrepreneurs in Expat Enclaves Find Success With English Bookstores Leigh Thelmadatter - Mexico News Daily
go to original June 3, 2022

The Living Room in Puerto Vallarta encourages local groups to use its bookshop for events, such as the Third Annual Women’s Meeting, seen here. (The Living Room)

Living as a foreigner in Mexico often means that we look for little nooks of familiarity. For some of us, having a cozy bookstore filled with titles in English fits the bill.

Granted, you can get books in English from Amazon and even at Mexican chains like Gandhi, but it is not the same as being surrounded by walls full of titles in your language. Many (physical) book lovers want and need that store experience, with both chains and indie bookstores in North America and other countries providing that.

Entrepreneurs in Mexico are providing that experience too. They take their cue from bookstores back home, then adapt to the communities they serve, whether they are in Mérida, Mexico City, Puerto Vallarta or La Paz. They provide a welcoming physical space, often with comfy sofas, chairs and more, so that customers hang around for a while.

Coffee is another important part of the equation, with bookstores selling it themselves or partnering with a cafe.

Lindsey of Puerto Vallarta’s A Page in the Sun bookstore says, “Everybody meets, you know, you’re sitting at the table having your coffee, and everybody’s suddenly talking to each other at the next table.”

The bookstore features coffee grown in Jalisco, selected and roasted by the two sisters that own the place.

Leigh Thelmadatter arrived in Mexico 18 years ago and fell in love with the land and the culture in particular its handcrafts and art. She is the author of Mexican Cartonería: Paper, Paste and Fiesta. Her culture column appears regularly on Mexico News Daily.

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